The Best Hand Creams to Travel With This Winter

“If I so much as look at a scented hand cream, my skin becomes irritated. For my very sensitive, dry skin, I swear by the CeraVe Therapeutic hand cream. This no-frills hand cream is gentle, non-greasy, and actually does the trick to repair my cracked hands that fall victim to the cold weather each year. Made with two of my favorite skincare ingredients, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, this cream absorbs quickly and is oh-so affordable compared to some others on the market for sensitive skin.” —Meaghan Kenny, associate commerce editor

“My skin turns to scales in the winter. My hands, especially, get so dry, and I’m not great about moisturizing them regularly—mostly because I never remember to pick up travel-size tubes of hand cream from the drugstore that I can tote around with me. So last year, at Christmas, I was delighted when my wonderful mother-in-law gave me a set of Aveda x Phillip Lim’s hand relief creams as a stocking stuffer. The trio of mini bottles, each with a different scent—rosemary mint, Shampure, and cherry almond—are the perfect size for my purse. They’re also non-greasy and smell divine. What better incentive to be more diligent?” —Betsy Blumenthal, editor, features and franchises

“I love this travel-size L’occitane hand cream—I keep it on my bedside table, and all year round, I apply a layer of it before I go to sleep. The vanilla smell is so yummy, and not at all artificial (those kinds of scents give me a massive headache); plus, the texture is rich and thick without being goopy, thanks to a heavy dose of shea butter. The packaging, a little aluminum tube with a twist-off cap, is also surprisingly chic, and evokes the apothecaries of old—a nice bonus!” —B.B.

“Like everything Aesop makes, this hand balm smells divine—it uses ingredients like mandarin rind and rosemary leaf that make it hard to not reapply multiple times a day. It’s a staple in my carry-on come winter; the rich, creamy lather is perfect for combating hands that have spent too much time in the NYC winter air, without making them feel greasy. I like the size, too—at 2.4 ounces, it’s TSA friendly, but not so small that I have to ration the tube on vacation.” —Madison Flager, senior commerce editor

“This has been a staple in my household since I can remember. Nivea is known for its moisturizing products that can be used inside and outside of the shower. The one-ounce tin of hand cream is great for on-the-go use and is designed not just for hands, but also for your face and body.” —Paris Wilson, commerce producer

If you’re suffering from dry, chapped hands but have activities in the sun planned, this should be your new go-to. Supergoop hand screen is specifically designed for the delicate skin on your hands with SPF protection and a nourishing blend of argan oil, meadowfoam seed oil, and antioxidants to hydrate parched skin. It’s perfect for kayaking, snorkeling, or any other activity where your hands are exposed to the sun for long periods of time.

Like the brand’s popular Bum Bum cream, this cream is ultra-moisturizing and lightweight. With hints of vanilla, salted caramel, and pistachio, this is the perfect cream for someone looking for something with a lasting scent that can be layered with other perfumes and won’t clash. The results after one use are astounding and leave skin feeling smoother than ever.

This is the perfect fragrance-free option for those with sensitive skin. For those who find that their hands become very irritated after constantly washing or reapplying hand sanitizer, this brings relief. The inclusion of Vitamin B3 will eliminate and treat redness while giving skin a non-greasy glow.

If your skin is so sensitive that even lotions meant for sensitive skin irritate it, you need Skin Food. Created by eco-friendly company Weleda nearly 100 years ago, this tried-and-true cream made from violas, calendula, and chamomile flowers is incredibly soothing and gentle. Fair warning: It’s pretty thick, as the base is made from beeswax, so a small dab goes a long way.

When your knuckles are dry from frequent hand washing, Kiehl’s Ultimate Strength Hand Salve is one of the best lasts-all-day treatments. The rich lotion—packed with natural ingredients including avocado and eucalyptus—has an olive oil wax base that creates a natural barrier on your skin to lock in moisture. The eucalyptus oil will leave your hands with a light, fresh scent, too.

L'Occitane isn’t the only company in Provence with a notable concoction. Located in Aix-en-Provence, Bastide harnesses the iconic herbs and fragrances of southern France, such as olive oil and lavender extract, to soothe and smooth dry skin. The balm comes in several unique and energizing scents, like summer fig and orange blossom, and comes in a TSA-friendly size.

Another solid brand for sensitive skin, First Aid Beauty—or FAB—is best known for its incredibly gentle facial cleanser. But its intense hydrating lotion is perfect for healing dry, rough hands. It’s also great for travel, as the lotion is designed to be used on both your face and body, meaning you can make your Dopp kit (or medicine cabinet) a little less full.

Lano is well known for its ultra-hydrating lip balms and glosses, but its makes some of the best hand creams too. The Intense Hand Cream manages to both nourish and soothe skin almost instantly, while still feeling incredibly light over your skin. Plus, the lotion comes in cheery, bright scents such as lemon and rose. Keep one in your purse or at the office for a quick mid-day mood booster, and another at home to use in the morning or before bed.

This adorably packaged hand lotion from TonyMoly provides long-term preventative care for skin damage. The peach-shaped package is also a conversation starter the moment it comes out of your bag—filled with peach extract and shea butter, the adorable piece vanishes dark spots and locks in moisture. It goes on like silk and hydrates one’s skin, leaving behind the sweet smell of peaches.

Hate the greasy feeling of applying lotion? Or the sense that lotion is just sitting on top of your skin, without really soaking in? Herbacin will eliminate those problems. Founded in 1905, the German company uses chamomile extract to calm irritated skin, and has earned rave reviews for its non-greasy, fast-absorbing formula. Plus, the cute little tins are easy to tote around and make great stocking stuffers or hostess gifts.